DIWALI 2015 - MUHURAT TIMINGS
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।
- O Mother! Lead me from Darkness to Light!
This is an ancient Mantra from the Upanishads. The festival of Diwali is the literal personification of this Mantra. The darkness symbolises the evil while light symbolises the good. Diwali falls on Amavasya - the dark night. Normally, Amavasya is considered not a very auspicious tithi; yet Diwali falls on Amavasya - Shri Lakshmi comes to our houses on Amavasya - that too at midnight! Thousands of little lamps made of clay and filled with oil/ghee are lit on this night. What does this signify? This teaches us that howsoever dark the evil, the smallest deeds of goodness and purity can dispel away the greatest of all darkness. On Diwali night, there is so much of joy and festivity all around. The light of our happiness and sharing of love should drive away the darkness of all enemity, jealousy and negativity.
Given below are the auspicious timings (शुभ मुहूर्त) for pooja on all five days of Diwali:
Dhantrayodashi or Dhanteras falls on 9th November (Monday) this year.
Dhanteras Puja Muhurta = 06:24 pm to 07:06pm
Pradosh Kaal = 05:58 pm to 08:32pm
On Dhanteras, Lord Dhanvantri is worshipped. You can also perform pooja of Shri Lakshmi, new stationary (for business or education purpose), new diaries, etc. The pooja is normally done during Pradosh Kaal.
This is also an auspicious day to purchase gold, silver or new utensils. The auspicious timings for such purchases are as follows:
09:35 am to 10:55 am and 03:15 pm to 06:00 pm
2. Naraka Chaturdashi falls on 10th November (Tuesday) this year.
Abhyang Snan falls on Chaturdashi day, which is also known as Narak Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali. On this day Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur and freed the world from fear. Traditionally, people wake up early in the morning and do Abhyang Snan - a special bathing procedure which involves smearing the body with ubtan - a paste of gram flour, turmeric, fragrant herbs, til (sesame)oil etc. and then washing it off with warm water; on this day
Abhyang Snan Muhurta = 05:22 am to 06:46 am
3. Lakshmi Pujan falls on 11th November (Wednesday) this year.
Lakshmi pujan - the main Diwali - falls on Amavasya. It is believed that on this day, Shree Lakshmi emerged from Ksheer Sagar bringing with her the Kalash of Wealth and Prosperity. Many people observe a fast for the whole day, breaking it in the evening with the delicacies prepared at home.
Morning Muhurta = 06:46 am- 09:34 am
Morning Muhurta = 10:58 am- 12:23 pm
Afternoon Muhurta = 03:12 pm - 06:00 pm
Evening Muhurta = 07:36 pm - 10:47 pm
Lakshmi Puja ( Vrishabha Kaal ) Muhurta = 06:16 pm to 08:16 pm
Pradosh Kaal = 05:57 pm to 08:31 pm
4. Govardhan Puja falls on 12th November (Thursday) this year.
Govardhan puja is also known as Bali Pratipada / Annakut Puja. Krishna devotees prepare 'Chhapan Bhog' or 56 different dishes to offer as Bhog to Lord Krishna. Husbands offer gifts to their wives on this day. There are three and a half auspicious moments (muhurt) in a year - Balipradipada is one such muhurat day.
The entire day is auspicious to do any kind of good, pious task or buy anything of importance.
5. Bhai Dooj falls on 13th November 2015 (Friday) this year:
This is a special day for brothers and sisters. Brothers visit their married sisters' house with gifts. Sisters apply a tilak or tika on their brothers' forehead, gift them 'durva' grass and pray for the long lives and prosperity.
Bhai Dooj Tika Muhurat = 01:28 pm to 03:42 pm
